Relapsing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relapsing

[rɪˈlæpsɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Relapsing refers to a recurrence of a disease or condition after a period of improvement. It is often used in the context of chronic illnesses that undergo cycles of remission and relapse, indicating a return to a disease state after an improvement.

Synonyms

backsliding, recurrent, recurring.

Examples of usage

  • The patient is experiencing relapsing symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis can lead to sudden neurological decline.
  • The doctor warned about the risks of relapsing after stopping medication.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Relapsing is often seen in people trying to overcome addictions, showing how hard it can be to change behaviors.
  • Triggers like stress or social situations can lead to relapsing, making it important to identify what causes a person to slip back.
  • Research shows that many people may experience multiple attempts to quit before successfully stopping a habit.

Health

  • In chronic illnesses, relapsing refers to returning symptoms after a period of improvement, often seen in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
  • A relapsing condition may cause cycles of flare-ups and remissions, requiring ongoing management and care.
  • Patients may need to adjust their treatment plans based on patterns of relapsing to better manage their health.

Literature

  • The theme of relapsing is often explored in stories about personal struggles, illustrating the complexities of growth and recovery.
  • Authors use relapsing as a plot device to show character development, where setbacks lead to lessons and transformation.
  • In classic literature, characters who relapse often face deeper moral and emotional challenges, enhancing the story's tension.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often portray addiction and relapsing as dramatic arcs, highlighting the struggle to maintain sobriety.
  • Songs frequently touch on the theme of relapsing, resonating with listeners who have faced similar challenges in their lives.
  • Documentaries about recovery highlight real experiences of relapsing, educating viewers about the journey of overcoming addiction.

Support Systems

  • Relapsing can highlight the need for strong support networks, as having friends and family can make recovery easier.
  • Support groups often discuss relapsing openly, helping members share experiences and strategies to cope.
  • Programs focusing on accountability can reduce the chances of relapsing by keeping individuals on track with their recovery goals.

Origin of 'relapsing'

The term 'relapsing' is derived from the Latin word 'relapsus', which means 'to fall back' or 'to slip back'. This root combines the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', with 'lapsus', which is the past participle of 'labi', meaning 'to fall'. The concept has been used in medical terminology since the late 19th century to describe diseases that have phases of recovery followed by deterioration. In the context of psychology and addiction, it highlights the tendency of individuals to return to previous patterns of behavior after attempting to change them. The use of the term has broadened over time to include various contexts where there is a return to a prior state, making it applicable in discussions of both physical and mental health.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,012, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.